Kate Johnson on fri 10 dec 04
I like the look of things polished with soft beeswax glow--non-functional
items like wall plaques and such, not, obviously dishwasher stuff.
I just got some neat tiles/plaques out of the kiln and decided I preferred
that soft finish for them. Here's how I went about it--I rubbed beeswax,
cold, into the surface of one of the pieces and put it into the oven on the
lowest heat to melt the wax, then rubbed it with a rag and my palm to smooth
it. When it's completely cool, I'll polish it again. The greenman tile has
a very pleasant patina, done this way--it darkened the terra cotta and gives
it a nice glow.
Two smaller plaques I heated FIRST, then rubbed with my block of beeswax so
it would melt onto the surface. I rubbed it around with my thumb, and again
will polish when everything is cool.
I was not wanting to melt beeswax in a container and paint it on--too much
smoke, too messy...but IS that in fact the best/usual way? My way is
slower, I'm sure, but rather pleasant...tactile.
(Also very similar to how I waterproof linen fabric, 18th C. style, but
there I use a hot iron...doesn't waste as much wax...)
Best--
Kate
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